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RELEVANCE

Vineyards Estimates, Australia (cat. no. 1329.0.55.002) presents final estimates from the annual Vineyards collection. In contrast to the 2009 survey, the 2010 Vineyards collection was undertaken as a census. Production and area related information was collected for 40 of the major wine grape varieties.The estimates include information on areas of vines (including areas bearing, not yet bearing and those removed or grafted) and production of grapes for wine making. In addition, the 2010 collection includes irrigation of grapevines information.

The Vineyards collection is run on behalf of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation (GWRDC). The main user of this information is the Australian wine industry's Statistics Working Group (SWG) which is an industry body made up of representatives of industry peak bodies and represents the views of the industry on statistical matters. The output from the collection is essential for research and analysis by national, state and regional organisations involved in policy development, legislation, planning and infrastructure and by those directly involved in the grape and wine industries.

TIMELINESS

Vineyards Estimates, Australia (cat. no. 1329.0.55.002) are generally released 4 months after the end of the reference period.

ACCURACY

Data from the 2009-10 Vineyards collection are based on a final raw response rate of 92%. Data from the Vineyards collection have been quality assured using recognised statistical techniques. The resultant estimates have been extensively edited to ensure the accuracy of the estimates produced. This included checking against earlier years and relevant other sources, and contacting data providers who had reported major changes or unusual values.

COHERENCE

The Vineyards collection is sent to all agricultural businesses recorded on the ABS' Business Register (ABSBR) as a grape grower/vineyard through survey feedback or from Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) information.The ABSBR is based on the Australian Business Register (ABR) which is administered and maintained by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The data produced are expected to be consistent with earlier census-based estimates for the wine grape varieties collected.

Information on drying and table grape area and production was not collected on the 2009-10 Vineyards collection but was included in the total area and production information collected in the 2009-10 Agricultural Survey. These data will be released in Agricultural Commodities, Australia (cat. no. 7121.0).

INTERPRETABILITY

The Vineyards collection provides varietal information on the main wine grape varieties grown and measures the industry's activity throughout Australia. Not all data from this collection are published. Some further data, including data for Australian Geographical Indication (GI) Regions are available on application to the ABS. Detailed Explanatory Notes are provided with the publication to assist users in determining and specifying their data requirements and to understand the concepts underlying the data.

ACCESSIBILITY

An extensive range of data are available from the Vineyards collection and a variety of other agriculture based collections.

If the information you require is not available as a standard product or service, then ABS Consultancy Services can help you with customised services to suit your needs. Inquiries should be made to either the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Agriculture Client Services on (03) 6222 5939.